Opening Day Letter to Parents 2008

August 20, 2008.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

As the summer break quickly comes to an end and the new school year approaches Westmount High School is in full gear preparing for the arrival of students. It is my pleasure to announce that Ms. Droutsas, our-vice principal, has been promoted to principal at John Grant and Paul VI High Schools. We owe her a debt of gratitude for her efficiency, dedication and resolve in everything she involved herself with at the school. Her replacement is Mr. Erdelyi, a former Math and Science teacher from Marymount Academy who I am confident will be a great asset to our school community. Mr. Erdelyi and the nine new teachers to the staff are looking forward to being a part of the team that in recent years has led students to unprecedented academic success. It is certainly Mr. Erdelyi’s and my intention and resolve that we continue to support and improve all that is positive, rewarding and gratifying for all members of the Westmount High School Community.

Please find below a few of the important items that all parents and students should note about the start of the 2008-09 school year.

• The first day of school is Tuesday, September 2, 2008. All students are expected to pick up their schedules on that day following the timetable below.
Secondary 1 & 2: Report to school between 8:30 and 9:00 am to pick up their schedules in the Gym.
Secondary 1: Report to the Auditorium at 9:00 am for an assembly with the Principal followed by an Orientaion Session with their homeroom teachers. Dismissal: 12:00 Noon
Secondary 2 : Orientation Session with their homeroom teachers at 9:00
Dismissal: 10:30
Secondary 3, 4 & 5: Report to school between 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm to pick up their schedules in the Gym.
Report to their homerooms at 1:30 pm
Dismissal:2:30 pm

• Uniform: The approved uniform is compulsory for all students attending Westmount High and that begins with the very first day of school Tuesday, September 2, 2008. In order to avoid students being sent home as a result of a uniform infraction, please take the time to review the attached information with your child.

• Important upcoming meetings:

Governing Board elections will take place in a General Assembly of parents on Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the auditorium. More information will follow about this event shortly, however if you are interested in sitting on the Board please contact me.

Meet the Teacher Night is on Thursday September 18th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. This is an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher by following an abbreviated version of their schedule and receive a course outline.

• Student Agenda: This is a crucial communication tool for students, parents, and teachers. Please use this agenda to communicate concerns to teachers, verify your child’s assignments and homework that he/she should log daily, and refer to the calendar for upcoming events. We ask that you review both the calendar and rules of conduct with your child and then complete the Westmount High School Student Contract (page 17) returning it to the home room teacher prior to September 5th, 2008.

• School supplies: Regardless of what anyone of us is asked to do, we cannot do it well, if at all, if we do not have the right tools at hand. Please take the time to purchase loose leaf, graph paper, exercise books, binders, dictionaries, erasers, geometry sets, pens and pencils for your child now that many retailers are having back to school sales. Teachers will inform students of any specific needs on their first day of class.

• Communication: This is crucial in any organization and a school is no exception. Parents are encouraged to visit and the school website at http://www.emsb.qc.ca/westmount to keep up to date with the happenings of the school and requests and opportunities to join the ever growing number of parents that volunteer and are actively involved in school life. Note that all letters sent to students will also be posted on our website and if you have provided me with email address information will be forwarded to that address as well. Please forward your new or changed email address to mcristofaro@emsb.qc.ca.

Westmount High School staff is collectively committed to your son or daughter’s academic success in the school. This commitment in the past and in the future is a crucial component in your child’s success but the parental component is perhaps even more crucial. Please be involved with your child’s education at all levels from assuring that time is set aside for homework and study to working with the school when disciplinary measures are necessary. Like you, we want our students to ultimately become responsible, contributing, respectful members of society and in whatever career they chose to follow. This is a joint effort between school and home. As you count on us for a quality education and educational experience we count on your support on issues that effect your son or daughter’s educational success.

Wishing you and your child a rewarding and successful year at Westmount High.

Michael Cristofaro
Principal